Happy Friday, friends! By the time you read this post, I'll be off photographing a sweet couple tying the knot at PENN STATE! EEP I am so excited! I'll be back at my alma mater today for a gorgeous outdoor wedding (followed by a fun reception at the Penn Stater!!), and then, I am off to PA to second shoot with Savannah on Saturday! It is going to be a busy weekend but such an amazing one! This week on Friday Chatter, I wanted to take a look at something that can make a big difference in your wedding gallery & your overall experience: your getting ready space!!

Through my time in the wedding industry, I've come to learn that not all getting ready spaces are created equally! Some are large and open, filled with light and plenty of outlets! Others are a little cramped and dark with little space to keep bags or charge phones. Now I'm not saying that one is better than the other (you should definitely choose a space where you feel comfortable!), but I AM saying that there are a few important things to consider when you are deciding on your getting ready location. There are also a few things that I will consider when deciding where to place you as you step into your gown, which is what we are going to dive into today!

I will admit that I often DO move brides to a different location from where they are having their makeup done. Please don't be surprised or offended if I have you put your gown on in a different location from where you originally got ready. I always opt to prioritize the following three points to maximize the quality of your photos from this portion of the day!

Let's dive on in to the three things that I look for in a getting ready suite!

This bridal suite was a photographer's dream! Not only was the getting ready space at Walker's Overlook HUGE & accommodating, but there were two walls filled with beautiful windows and plenty of natural light!

Natural Light

I look for quite a few things when deciding where I should place a bride for her getting ready portraits, and the biggest is LIGHT! More specifically? I LOVE a good window! I've quickly learned that gorgeous window light is absolutely key for amazing getting ready photos. SO many people are confused when I turn off all of the lights in a getting ready space and open up the blinds! But, I just do this so we can maximize the amount of flattering light in your suite!

Fun photography fact: different types of lights have different temperatures, meaning, that they actually photograph as a different color! You know how you'll take a photo in a gym and see that it comes out a little yellow? That's actually because of the color and the quality of the light! To avoid any funky mixed colors, shadows or weird light casts, I try my best to minimize the amount of light sources in a room to only the outdoor window light. This ensures that the light is the most flattering for both you & your bridal party as you gear up for the big day!

Lea's suite had a few large white walls (with plenty of window light!!) that allowed for some gorgeous getting ready shots! (Image shot while second shooting for Luck and Love Photography)

Neutral Colored Walls

This is usually the next thing that I look for! While different types of light create different color casts, different colored walls ALSO have the potential to create funky color casts too! When I'm deciding where to place a bride or groom as I photograph their prep for the day, I often look for white or neutral colored walls. White walls are my preference, but I'll take any light colored or light beige wall over a bold color like red, blue, black or green! This makes the biggest difference! No one wants their white dress to accidentally turn green because of the color of the room!

I loved that this sweet bride got ready in a space that was large enough to allow her bridesmaids to witness her putting on her final bridal finishing touches--like her earrings & shoes! (Image shot while second shooting for Savannah Smith Photography)

Ample Space

No one likes to feel crowded, especially on the morning of such a highly anticipated day! I always try my best to prioritize space when selecting the spot for my couples to get ready. I will admit though that this often starts with my couples getting ready space selection. Please, please, please put some thought into the space where you will be getting ready, specifically, the AMOUNT of space that you will have! Please consider the amount of people that will be present, including your hair and makeup teams and your photography and videography teams. We do count into your final tally! Sometimes, it is necessary to get ready at another location, so please keep your options open!

Keep in mind: a standard hotel room can only really accommodate four people, maybe five if you are pushing it! If you have a larger bridal party (with multiple hair and makeup stylists!!), you SHOULD have more than one hotel room! I recommend getting a few adjoining rooms or requesting for rooms next to each other or on the same floor. It is okay that you all are not getting ready in the same room. You'll be spending the entire day together, and will be much happier when you were able to get ready in a space that wasn't chaotic or cramped.

Remember: your getting ready space doesn't have to be anything crazy fancy! All we need is some pretty light & some room to move!